Will Win - Tiffany Haddish "Saturday Night Live"
Could Win - Tina Fey "Saturday Night Live" or Jane Lynch "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"
Should Win - Tiffany Haddish "Saturday Night Live"
Commentary - Conventional wisdom says that Emmy favorites Tina Fey and Jane Lynch are the front runners in this category. And if they win this award, it would not surprise me. Both have great performances, and are beloved veterans in this industry. But I think that the year of Tiffany Haddish is going to end with her winning her first Emmy award for her outstanding and hilarious turn hosting Saturday Night Live. I think her energy, her impressive story, and her immense star power will propel her across the finish line.
Friday, August 31, 2018
2018 Venice Film Festival: Roma, The Favourite, and A Star is Born Launch Into Oscar Season
Venice already had the launch of First Man, which will definitely be in the Oscar conversation this Fall. Now, in the 48 hours, three new films have emerged with Oscar buzz and great reviews. First up was Roma, Alfonso Cuaron's Spanish-language followup to his Oscar-winning film Gravity. It is being hailed universally with near perfect reviews, all complimenting the direction, the personal nature of the story, and the beautiful filmmaking. Being foreign language could unfortunately hurt its chances at some of the top prizes. But I could see directing, writing, techs, and foreign language film all in the cards for the film.
The one that I am most intrigued by its Oscar chances is The Favourite. Yorgos Lanthimos managed a writing nod for The Lobster, but that is an esoteric group, and it was a weaker year for that category. It is being hailed as hilarious, biting, and his most accessible film to date. It also has a trio of actresses at its center that are being praised for their awesome performances. I think its period piece setting will help it in tech categories, I think actors will like it, and I think that it could be a dark horse, surprising contender this coming Oscar season.
Then came A Star is Born. I am admitting that I was wrong. I really thought that the fourth remake of a film was going to be one of those projects that busts when it lands. Once again, I reiterate, I was wrong. The reviews so far have been fantastic, praising the lead performances of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, Cooper's direction, the music, and putting a modern spin on a classic. It is the type of crowd-pleaser that often sprinkle the more indie films in the Best Picture race. I am now a convert on the box office and Oscar potential of this film.
Telluride starts tomorrow!
The one that I am most intrigued by its Oscar chances is The Favourite. Yorgos Lanthimos managed a writing nod for The Lobster, but that is an esoteric group, and it was a weaker year for that category. It is being hailed as hilarious, biting, and his most accessible film to date. It also has a trio of actresses at its center that are being praised for their awesome performances. I think its period piece setting will help it in tech categories, I think actors will like it, and I think that it could be a dark horse, surprising contender this coming Oscar season.
Then came A Star is Born. I am admitting that I was wrong. I really thought that the fourth remake of a film was going to be one of those projects that busts when it lands. Once again, I reiterate, I was wrong. The reviews so far have been fantastic, praising the lead performances of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, Cooper's direction, the music, and putting a modern spin on a classic. It is the type of crowd-pleaser that often sprinkle the more indie films in the Best Picture race. I am now a convert on the box office and Oscar potential of this film.
Telluride starts tomorrow!
Thursday, August 30, 2018
2018 Emmy Predictions: Best Directing and Writing in a Comedy and Drama Series
Best Directing in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Hiro Murai "Atlanta - Teddy Perkins"
Could Win - Amy Sherman-Palladino "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - Pilot"
Should Win - Either Teddy Perkins or Mrs. Maisel
Commentary - Two really great episodes are going head to head here. Pilots do really well in writing and directing categories, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's is a marvelous experience indeed. But I think that the completely unique experience that was the Teddy Perkins episode of Atlanta, and its innate artistry will inspire voters to this give series back to back Emmy directing wins.
Best Writing in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Amy Sherman-Palladino "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - Pilot"
Could Win - Alec Berg and Bill Hader "Barry - Chapter One" or Donald Glover "Atlanta - Alligator Man"
Should Win - Amy Sherman-Palladino "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - Pilot"
Commentary - Did I tell you that Emmy voters love pilots? I have loved the fast-paced humor of Amy Sherman-Palladino for years, and with The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel she finally has her shot at Emmy gold. I think that this and Atlanta split these two categories setting up the epic battle that is brewing for Best Comedy Series. Speaking of Atlanta, of the two episodes, the one Donald Glover is probably the safer bet based on name recoginition alone. But I think if anything is going to upset Maisel here, it is going to be Barry. Bill Hader is the type of writer/director/producer that has done well in this category in the recent past, and they clearly love the show. I'm sticking with Maisel, which was far better in my opinion, but I have my eye on Barry.
Best Directing in a Drama Series
Will Win - Kari Skogland "The Handmaid's Tale - After"
Could Win - One of the Game of Thrones episodes
Should Win - Jeremy Podeswa "Game of Thrones - The Dragon and the Wolf"
Commentary - I think that The Handmaid's Tale is going to sweep again like it did last year, despite the inclusion of Game of Thrones. So I think it takes directing. But if I'm wrong, then one of the Game of Thrones episodes will rise to the top. I think Beyond the Wall has the best shot because it is most lavish. But for my money, I hope Dragon and the Wolf wins if they decide to go that route.
Best Writing in a Drama Series
Will Win - Joe Fields and Joe Weisberg "The Americans - Start"
Could Win - Bruce Miller "The Handmaid's Tale - June"
Should Win - Joe Fields and Joe Weisberg "The Americans - Start"
Commentary - Conventional wisdom says Bruce Miller wins again for The Handmaid's Tale, and that is probably the safest bet. But I don't think Emmy voters are going to let The Americans walk away empty handed this year. Like Friday Night Lights in its final year, it may not win Drama Series, but voters finally realized it needed something of substance on its final turn at bat. I think it is going to pull off an upset here and finally get its overdue moment on the Emmy stage.
Will Win - Hiro Murai "Atlanta - Teddy Perkins"
Could Win - Amy Sherman-Palladino "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - Pilot"
Should Win - Either Teddy Perkins or Mrs. Maisel
Commentary - Two really great episodes are going head to head here. Pilots do really well in writing and directing categories, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's is a marvelous experience indeed. But I think that the completely unique experience that was the Teddy Perkins episode of Atlanta, and its innate artistry will inspire voters to this give series back to back Emmy directing wins.
Best Writing in a Comedy Series
Will Win - Amy Sherman-Palladino "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - Pilot"
Could Win - Alec Berg and Bill Hader "Barry - Chapter One" or Donald Glover "Atlanta - Alligator Man"
Should Win - Amy Sherman-Palladino "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - Pilot"
Commentary - Did I tell you that Emmy voters love pilots? I have loved the fast-paced humor of Amy Sherman-Palladino for years, and with The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel she finally has her shot at Emmy gold. I think that this and Atlanta split these two categories setting up the epic battle that is brewing for Best Comedy Series. Speaking of Atlanta, of the two episodes, the one Donald Glover is probably the safer bet based on name recoginition alone. But I think if anything is going to upset Maisel here, it is going to be Barry. Bill Hader is the type of writer/director/producer that has done well in this category in the recent past, and they clearly love the show. I'm sticking with Maisel, which was far better in my opinion, but I have my eye on Barry.
Best Directing in a Drama Series
Will Win - Kari Skogland "The Handmaid's Tale - After"
Could Win - One of the Game of Thrones episodes
Should Win - Jeremy Podeswa "Game of Thrones - The Dragon and the Wolf"
Commentary - I think that The Handmaid's Tale is going to sweep again like it did last year, despite the inclusion of Game of Thrones. So I think it takes directing. But if I'm wrong, then one of the Game of Thrones episodes will rise to the top. I think Beyond the Wall has the best shot because it is most lavish. But for my money, I hope Dragon and the Wolf wins if they decide to go that route.
Best Writing in a Drama Series
Will Win - Joe Fields and Joe Weisberg "The Americans - Start"
Could Win - Bruce Miller "The Handmaid's Tale - June"
Should Win - Joe Fields and Joe Weisberg "The Americans - Start"
Commentary - Conventional wisdom says Bruce Miller wins again for The Handmaid's Tale, and that is probably the safest bet. But I don't think Emmy voters are going to let The Americans walk away empty handed this year. Like Friday Night Lights in its final year, it may not win Drama Series, but voters finally realized it needed something of substance on its final turn at bat. I think it is going to pull off an upset here and finally get its overdue moment on the Emmy stage.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
2018 Venice Film Festival: First Man Kicks Off Oscar Season
It should probably come as no surprise that First Man, Damien Chazelle and Ryan Gosling's La La Land followup has hit well with critics as it opens up this year's star-packed Venice Film Festival. So far the reviews have been positive, and the Oscar buzz has already started to ramp up. Of particular note are the technical achievements, Chazelle's directing, and Ryan Gosling's performance, all of which look like they are head for Oscar gold. Revisit the trailer below before First Man premieres stateside Oct. 12th.
2018 Emmy Predictions: Best Limited Series and Made for Television Movie
Best Limited Series
Will Win - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Could Win - Godless
Should Win - Gianni Versace or Godless
Commentary - The Assassination of Gianni Versace is going to probably walk away with the most Emmys in the long form categories, has an Emmy winning team behind it, and is definitely the most talked about of the bunch. That being said, the buzz for Godless is rising. If it wins more than expected throughout the night, which is possible, look for the upset.
Best Made for Television Movie
Will Win - U.S.S. Callister: Black Mirror
Could Win - The Tale
Should Win - U.S.S. Callister: Black Mirror
Commentary - Paterno, Flint, and Fahrenheit 451 all underwhelmed, so that leaves it down to the only really two deserving ones. You should never discount HBO, but The Tale really missed out on a lot in terms of nominations. I am sticking with last year's winner Black Mirror. They have proven themselves in this category, U.S.S Callister has a lot of nominations this year, and it has definitely hit the cultural zeitgeist.
Will Win - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Could Win - Godless
Should Win - Gianni Versace or Godless
Commentary - The Assassination of Gianni Versace is going to probably walk away with the most Emmys in the long form categories, has an Emmy winning team behind it, and is definitely the most talked about of the bunch. That being said, the buzz for Godless is rising. If it wins more than expected throughout the night, which is possible, look for the upset.
Best Made for Television Movie
Will Win - U.S.S. Callister: Black Mirror
Could Win - The Tale
Should Win - U.S.S. Callister: Black Mirror
Commentary - Paterno, Flint, and Fahrenheit 451 all underwhelmed, so that leaves it down to the only really two deserving ones. You should never discount HBO, but The Tale really missed out on a lot in terms of nominations. I am sticking with last year's winner Black Mirror. They have proven themselves in this category, U.S.S Callister has a lot of nominations this year, and it has definitely hit the cultural zeitgeist.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
2018 Emmy Predictions: Best Actor and Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Best Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Will Win - Laura Dern "The Tale"
Could Win - Michelle Dockery "Godless" or Jessica Biel "The Sinner"
Should Win - Laura Dern "The Tale"
Commentary - For some reason, The Tale underperformed in terms of Emmy nominations. Of course this is the same voting body that chose The Alienst and Picasso over The Looming Tower and Twin Peaks, so something was clearly in the water this year. But I still think that Laura Dern will win for her magnificent performance. She is beloved among her peers, and if they actually watched any of these series (from the nominations, that isn't likely), she is the clear favorite. Watch out for Jessica Biel, and particularly for Michelle Dockery, who never won for Downton Abbey, and could have some lingering support from those who wish she had.
Best Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Will Win - Benedict Cumberbatch "Patrick Melrose"
Could Win - Darren Criss "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story"
Should Win - Cumberbatch or Criss
Commentary - This is a tougher race than I thought it would be. I assumed Criss was on his way to an Emmy, with Gianni Versace being an Emmy juggernaut. But then Patrick Melrose way overperformed across the board. Then I remembered how Cumberbatch upset a few years ago when no one was expecting it. He is clearly well-liked, and is the better known of the two, both of who give great performances. A lot of folks are still picking Criss, and they are probably right. But I am going out on a limb with yet another Emmy upset from Benedict Cumberbatch.
Will Win - Laura Dern "The Tale"
Could Win - Michelle Dockery "Godless" or Jessica Biel "The Sinner"
Should Win - Laura Dern "The Tale"
Commentary - For some reason, The Tale underperformed in terms of Emmy nominations. Of course this is the same voting body that chose The Alienst and Picasso over The Looming Tower and Twin Peaks, so something was clearly in the water this year. But I still think that Laura Dern will win for her magnificent performance. She is beloved among her peers, and if they actually watched any of these series (from the nominations, that isn't likely), she is the clear favorite. Watch out for Jessica Biel, and particularly for Michelle Dockery, who never won for Downton Abbey, and could have some lingering support from those who wish she had.
Best Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie
Will Win - Benedict Cumberbatch "Patrick Melrose"
Could Win - Darren Criss "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story"
Should Win - Cumberbatch or Criss
Commentary - This is a tougher race than I thought it would be. I assumed Criss was on his way to an Emmy, with Gianni Versace being an Emmy juggernaut. But then Patrick Melrose way overperformed across the board. Then I remembered how Cumberbatch upset a few years ago when no one was expecting it. He is clearly well-liked, and is the better known of the two, both of who give great performances. A lot of folks are still picking Criss, and they are probably right. But I am going out on a limb with yet another Emmy upset from Benedict Cumberbatch.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
2018 Emmy Predictions - Best Supporting Actor and Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie
Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Television Movie
Will Win - Jeff Daniels "Godless"
Could Win - Brandon Victor Dixon "Jesus Christ Superstar Live" or Edgar Ramirez "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story"
Should Win - Daniels
Commentary - Jeff Daniels has a towering performance in Godless, which is going to walk away with at least one big Emmy. He is an Emmy winner, beloved veteran in the industry, and I would honestly be kind of surprised if he didn't win for this role. The Jesus Christ Superstar Live love in the acting categories was shocking on Emmy morning, so I could see Brandon Victor Dixon upsetting. We also should not ignore the popularity of Gianni Versace, with Edgar Ramirez the most likely of the three. But I think those three will split votes and help propel either Dixon, or most likely Daniels to an Emmy win.
Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie
Will Win - Judith Light "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story"
Could Win - Penelope Cruz "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: America Crime Story" or Merritt Wever "Godless"
Should Win - Cruz or Light
Commentary - This is becoming a tight three-way race. The two Versace contenders are both beloved veterans. Four-time Emmy nominee Light is a huge television veteran, and Penelope Cruz is the Oscar-winning movie star. These types of battles tend to favor either veterans or movie stars, which helps us not one bit. I am leaning towards Light, but both are big performances and it could go either way. Or, a vote split could occur, and Emmy winner Merritt Wever could sneak in for Godless, which is definitely on the rise in terms of overall Emmy buzz. Plus Wever has upset at the Emmys before, and I will not discount her again.
Will Win - Jeff Daniels "Godless"
Could Win - Brandon Victor Dixon "Jesus Christ Superstar Live" or Edgar Ramirez "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story"
Should Win - Daniels
Commentary - Jeff Daniels has a towering performance in Godless, which is going to walk away with at least one big Emmy. He is an Emmy winner, beloved veteran in the industry, and I would honestly be kind of surprised if he didn't win for this role. The Jesus Christ Superstar Live love in the acting categories was shocking on Emmy morning, so I could see Brandon Victor Dixon upsetting. We also should not ignore the popularity of Gianni Versace, with Edgar Ramirez the most likely of the three. But I think those three will split votes and help propel either Dixon, or most likely Daniels to an Emmy win.
Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie
Will Win - Judith Light "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story"
Could Win - Penelope Cruz "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: America Crime Story" or Merritt Wever "Godless"
Should Win - Cruz or Light
Commentary - This is becoming a tight three-way race. The two Versace contenders are both beloved veterans. Four-time Emmy nominee Light is a huge television veteran, and Penelope Cruz is the Oscar-winning movie star. These types of battles tend to favor either veterans or movie stars, which helps us not one bit. I am leaning towards Light, but both are big performances and it could go either way. Or, a vote split could occur, and Emmy winner Merritt Wever could sneak in for Godless, which is definitely on the rise in terms of overall Emmy buzz. Plus Wever has upset at the Emmys before, and I will not discount her again.
Friday, August 24, 2018
2018 Emmy Predictions - Best Directing and Writing in a Limited Series or Television Movie
Best Directing in a Limited Series or Television Movie
Will Win - Ryan Murphy "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story"
Could Win - David Lynch "Twin Peaks", Scott Frank "Godless" or David Leveaux and Alex Rudzinski "Jesus Christ Superstar Live"
Should Win - David Lynch "Twin Peaks"
Commentary - This is an interesting four-way race that could go a number of ways. Godless is one that I think is rising in upset potential, David Lynch will be popular among the directing branch, and Jesus Christ Superstar could win based on difficulty alone. The whole reason SNL consistently wins in variety directing. But The Assassination of Gianni Versace is the most popular of the bunch, Ryan Murphy has won directing awards before, and is well-liked among the branch. I think he wins in a close race.
Best Writing in a Limited Series or Television Movie
Will Win - William Bridges and Charlie Brooker "U.S.S Callister: Black Mirror"
Could Win - Tom Rob Smith "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" and Scott Frank "Godless"
Should Win - William Bridges and Charlie Brooker "U.S.S Callister: Black Mirror" or Kevin and Matthew McManus "American Vandal"
Commentary - I would love to see American Vandal get some Emmy love, but I am thrilled to think that Black Mirror might win instead. It is definitely the best written and most clever of the bunch (along with American Vandal), and I think it can beat out the more popular series Godless and The Assassination of Gianni Versace.
Will Win - Ryan Murphy "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story"
Could Win - David Lynch "Twin Peaks", Scott Frank "Godless" or David Leveaux and Alex Rudzinski "Jesus Christ Superstar Live"
Should Win - David Lynch "Twin Peaks"
Commentary - This is an interesting four-way race that could go a number of ways. Godless is one that I think is rising in upset potential, David Lynch will be popular among the directing branch, and Jesus Christ Superstar could win based on difficulty alone. The whole reason SNL consistently wins in variety directing. But The Assassination of Gianni Versace is the most popular of the bunch, Ryan Murphy has won directing awards before, and is well-liked among the branch. I think he wins in a close race.
Best Writing in a Limited Series or Television Movie
Will Win - William Bridges and Charlie Brooker "U.S.S Callister: Black Mirror"
Could Win - Tom Rob Smith "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story" and Scott Frank "Godless"
Should Win - William Bridges and Charlie Brooker "U.S.S Callister: Black Mirror" or Kevin and Matthew McManus "American Vandal"
Commentary - I would love to see American Vandal get some Emmy love, but I am thrilled to think that Black Mirror might win instead. It is definitely the best written and most clever of the bunch (along with American Vandal), and I think it can beat out the more popular series Godless and The Assassination of Gianni Versace.
2018 Emmy Predictions: Best Variety Series and Special
Best Variety Talk Series
Will Win - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Could Win - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee or Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Should Win - Full Frontal or Last Week Tonight
Commentary - Last Week Tonight looks to extend its dominance in a category that likes repeat winners.
Best Variety Sketch Series
Will Win - Saturday Night Live
Could Win - Portlandia or I Love You, America
Should Win - Saturday Night Live
Commentary - Portlandia is always a possibility and I Love You, America could capture some zeitgeist voters. But lets be honest, if anything other than SNL wins, I will be shocked.
Best Variety Special Pre-Recorded
Will Win - Carpool Karaoke Primetime Special 2018
Could Win - Carol Burnett Show 50th Anniversary and Full Frontal: The Great American* Puerto Rico (*It's Complicated)
Should Win - Dave Chappelle: Equanimity
Commentary - This is a tough category to predict. Dave Chappelle and Samantha Bee are both Emmy winners, and Carol Burnett, Steve Martin, and Martin Short are all legends who will inspire a lot of votes. But I think that Carpool Karaoke, which has won some Emmys in its short history, is such a intricate part of the current cultural zeitgeist, and James Corden is so well-liked, that it will win another Emmy Award.
Best Variety Special Live
Will Win - Jesus Christ Superstar Live
Could Win - The Oscars
Should Win - Jesus Christ Superstar Live
Commentary - If Jesus Christ Superstar wins, then Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd Webber and John Legend will all become EGOT Winners. That is a cool and unprecedented jump in the number of EGOT winners, as it was taken 82 years for 12 winners. I think that its surprise acting nominations, and stunning total of nominations across the board shows widespread support that will lead to this big historical win.
Will Win - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Could Win - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee or Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Should Win - Full Frontal or Last Week Tonight
Commentary - Last Week Tonight looks to extend its dominance in a category that likes repeat winners.
Best Variety Sketch Series
Will Win - Saturday Night Live
Could Win - Portlandia or I Love You, America
Should Win - Saturday Night Live
Commentary - Portlandia is always a possibility and I Love You, America could capture some zeitgeist voters. But lets be honest, if anything other than SNL wins, I will be shocked.
Best Variety Special Pre-Recorded
Will Win - Carpool Karaoke Primetime Special 2018
Could Win - Carol Burnett Show 50th Anniversary and Full Frontal: The Great American* Puerto Rico (*It's Complicated)
Should Win - Dave Chappelle: Equanimity
Commentary - This is a tough category to predict. Dave Chappelle and Samantha Bee are both Emmy winners, and Carol Burnett, Steve Martin, and Martin Short are all legends who will inspire a lot of votes. But I think that Carpool Karaoke, which has won some Emmys in its short history, is such a intricate part of the current cultural zeitgeist, and James Corden is so well-liked, that it will win another Emmy Award.
Best Variety Special Live
Will Win - Jesus Christ Superstar Live
Could Win - The Oscars
Should Win - Jesus Christ Superstar Live
Commentary - If Jesus Christ Superstar wins, then Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd Webber and John Legend will all become EGOT Winners. That is a cool and unprecedented jump in the number of EGOT winners, as it was taken 82 years for 12 winners. I think that its surprise acting nominations, and stunning total of nominations across the board shows widespread support that will lead to this big historical win.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
2018 Emmy Predictions: Best Directing and Writing in a Variety Series
Best Directing in a Variety Series
Will Win - Don Roy King "Saturday Night Live - Donald Glover"
Could Win - Anyone else
Should Win - Don Roy King
Commentary - Don Roy King is the King, pun sort of intended, of this category, because pulling off an SNL episode is a lot more difficult, and takes a lot more skill than pretty much any of the regular talk shows. I would be surprised if he didn't add another trophy to his mantel.
Best Writing in a Variety Series
Will Win - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Could Win - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee or Late Night with Stephen Colbert
Should Win - Full Frontal
Commentary - John Oliver has dominated this category lately, and I expect nothing else until someone surprises and knocks it off its throne.
Will Win - Don Roy King "Saturday Night Live - Donald Glover"
Could Win - Anyone else
Should Win - Don Roy King
Commentary - Don Roy King is the King, pun sort of intended, of this category, because pulling off an SNL episode is a lot more difficult, and takes a lot more skill than pretty much any of the regular talk shows. I would be surprised if he didn't add another trophy to his mantel.
Best Writing in a Variety Series
Will Win - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Could Win - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee or Late Night with Stephen Colbert
Should Win - Full Frontal
Commentary - John Oliver has dominated this category lately, and I expect nothing else until someone surprises and knocks it off its throne.
2018 MTV VMA Winners
Video of the Year
Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug “Havana”
Artist of the Year
Camila Cabello
Song of the Year
Post Malone feat. 21 Savage “rockstar”
Best New Artist
Cardi B
Best Collaboration
Jennifer Lopez feat. DJ Khaled and Cardi B “Dinero”
Best Pop Video
Ariana Grande “No Tears Left to Cry”
Best Hip Hop Video
Nicki Minaj “Chun-Li”
Best Dance Video
Avicii feat. Rita Ora “Lonely Together”
Best Latin Video
J Balvin feat. Willy William “Mi Gente”
Best Rock Video
Imagine Dragons “Whatever It Takes”
Video With a Message
Childish Gambino “This Is America”
Best Cinematography
The Carters “APES**T”
Best Direction
Childish Gambino “This Is America”
Best Art Direction
The Carters “APES**T”
Best Visual Effects
Kendrick Lamar & SZA “All The Stars”
Best Choreography
Childish Gambino “This Is America”
Best Editing
N.E.R.D feat. Rihanna “Lemon”
Push Artist of the Year
April 2018 – Hayley Kiyoko
Song of Summer
Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin "I Like It"
Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug “Havana”
Artist of the Year
Camila Cabello
Song of the Year
Post Malone feat. 21 Savage “rockstar”
Best New Artist
Cardi B
Best Collaboration
Jennifer Lopez feat. DJ Khaled and Cardi B “Dinero”
Best Pop Video
Ariana Grande “No Tears Left to Cry”
Best Hip Hop Video
Nicki Minaj “Chun-Li”
Best Dance Video
Avicii feat. Rita Ora “Lonely Together”
Best Latin Video
J Balvin feat. Willy William “Mi Gente”
Best Rock Video
Imagine Dragons “Whatever It Takes”
Video With a Message
Childish Gambino “This Is America”
Best Cinematography
The Carters “APES**T”
Best Direction
Childish Gambino “This Is America”
Best Art Direction
The Carters “APES**T”
Best Visual Effects
Kendrick Lamar & SZA “All The Stars”
Best Choreography
Childish Gambino “This Is America”
Best Editing
N.E.R.D feat. Rihanna “Lemon”
Push Artist of the Year
April 2018 – Hayley Kiyoko
Song of Summer
Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin "I Like It"
Monday, August 20, 2018
2018 Emmy Predictions: Directing and Writing in a Variety Special
Best Directing in a Variety Special
Will Win - Glenn Weiss "The Oscars"
Could Win - Any of the other four.
Should Win - Glenn Weiss "The Oscars"
Commentary - Weiss is a legend, and wins these awards consistently for his excellent direction of most of our big awards ceremonies. I don't see the lackluster Halftime show winning, and the other three are all very similar comedy specials that might be hard to distinguish. If Weiss is nominated, it is probably a safe bet to pick him.
Best Writing in a Variety Special
Will Win - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee Presents: The Great American* Puerto Rico (*It's Complicated)
Could Win - Any of the other four
Should Win - Patton Oswalt "Patton Oswalt: Annihilation"
Commentary - This could be one of the toughest races to predict. I could easily see all five nominees taking the stage. Full Frontal won this category last year for their White House Correspondents special. Patton Oswalt won the year before. Michelle Wolf just did the actual Correspondents dinner and she and John Mulaney received rave reviews for their stand up specials. Finally, Steve Martin and Martin Short are both Emmy-winning comedy legends. I am sticking with Full Frontal, as this category likes repeat winners, but seriously any of those names could be called and it would not surprise me.
Will Win - Glenn Weiss "The Oscars"
Could Win - Any of the other four.
Should Win - Glenn Weiss "The Oscars"
Commentary - Weiss is a legend, and wins these awards consistently for his excellent direction of most of our big awards ceremonies. I don't see the lackluster Halftime show winning, and the other three are all very similar comedy specials that might be hard to distinguish. If Weiss is nominated, it is probably a safe bet to pick him.
Best Writing in a Variety Special
Will Win - Full Frontal with Samantha Bee Presents: The Great American* Puerto Rico (*It's Complicated)
Could Win - Any of the other four
Should Win - Patton Oswalt "Patton Oswalt: Annihilation"
Commentary - This could be one of the toughest races to predict. I could easily see all five nominees taking the stage. Full Frontal won this category last year for their White House Correspondents special. Patton Oswalt won the year before. Michelle Wolf just did the actual Correspondents dinner and she and John Mulaney received rave reviews for their stand up specials. Finally, Steve Martin and Martin Short are both Emmy-winning comedy legends. I am sticking with Full Frontal, as this category likes repeat winners, but seriously any of those names could be called and it would not surprise me.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
2018 Emmy Predictions - Creative Arts Emmys Part II
Best Lighting Design/Lighting Direction in a Variety Series - Dancing with the Stars
Best Lighting Design/Lighting Direction in a Variety Special - Super Bowl LII Halftime Show Starring Justin Timberlake
Best Main Title Design - Westworld
Best Makeup for a Single-Camera Series - Game of Thrones
Best Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series or Special - Saturday Night Live
Best Makeup for a Limited Series or Movie - American Horror Story: Cult
Best Prosthetic Makeup - Game of Thrones
Best Music Composition for a Series - Game of Thrones
Best Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special - U.S.S. Callister: Black Mirror
Best Music Direction - Elton John: I'm Still Standing - A Grammy Salute
Best Original Music and Lyrics - Saturday Night Live - Come Back Barack
Best Original Main Title Theme Music - Godless
Best Music Supervision - Atlanta
Best Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - James Corden "James Corden's Next James Corden"
Best Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - Megan Amram "An Emmy for Megan"
Best Narrator - David Attenborough "Blue Planet II"
Best Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - James Corden's Next James Corden
Best Short Form Variety Series - Carpool Karaoke: The Series
Best Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series - Anthony Bourdain: Explore Parts Unknown
Best Children's Program - The Magical Wand Chase: A Sesame Street Special
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special - Icarus
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series - Blue Planet II
Best Informational Series or Special - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking - Jane
Best Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Editing Comedy/Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation - Atlanta
Best Sound Editing for Limited Series, Movie, or Special - U.S.S Callister: Black Mirror
Best Sound Editing for a Nonfiction Series - The Defiant Ones
Best Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Best Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half Hour) - Mozart in the Jungle
Best Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special - Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert
Best Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program - The Defiant Ones
Best Special Visual Effects - Game of Thrones
Best Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role - Gotham
Best Stunt Coordination for a Comedy/Variety Program - GLOW
Best Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie - Game of Thrones
Best Technical Direction for a Series - Saturday Night Live
Best Technical Direction for a Special - Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert
Best Writing for a Nonfiction Series - Icarus
Best Lighting Design/Lighting Direction in a Variety Special - Super Bowl LII Halftime Show Starring Justin Timberlake
Best Main Title Design - Westworld
Best Makeup for a Single-Camera Series - Game of Thrones
Best Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series or Special - Saturday Night Live
Best Makeup for a Limited Series or Movie - American Horror Story: Cult
Best Prosthetic Makeup - Game of Thrones
Best Music Composition for a Series - Game of Thrones
Best Music Composition for a Limited Series, Movie, or Special - U.S.S. Callister: Black Mirror
Best Music Direction - Elton John: I'm Still Standing - A Grammy Salute
Best Original Music and Lyrics - Saturday Night Live - Come Back Barack
Best Original Main Title Theme Music - Godless
Best Music Supervision - Atlanta
Best Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - James Corden "James Corden's Next James Corden"
Best Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - Megan Amram "An Emmy for Megan"
Best Narrator - David Attenborough "Blue Planet II"
Best Short Form Comedy or Drama Series - James Corden's Next James Corden
Best Short Form Variety Series - Carpool Karaoke: The Series
Best Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series - Anthony Bourdain: Explore Parts Unknown
Best Children's Program - The Magical Wand Chase: A Sesame Street Special
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special - Icarus
Best Documentary or Nonfiction Series - Blue Planet II
Best Informational Series or Special - Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking - Jane
Best Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Editing Comedy/Drama Series (Half-Hour) and Animation - Atlanta
Best Sound Editing for Limited Series, Movie, or Special - U.S.S Callister: Black Mirror
Best Sound Editing for a Nonfiction Series - The Defiant Ones
Best Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour) - Game of Thrones
Best Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Best Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half Hour) - Mozart in the Jungle
Best Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special - Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert
Best Sound Mixing for a Nonfiction Program - The Defiant Ones
Best Special Visual Effects - Game of Thrones
Best Special Visual Effects in a Supporting Role - Gotham
Best Stunt Coordination for a Comedy/Variety Program - GLOW
Best Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series, Limited Series or Movie - Game of Thrones
Best Technical Direction for a Series - Saturday Night Live
Best Technical Direction for a Special - Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert
Best Writing for a Nonfiction Series - Icarus
2018 Emmy Predictions - Creative Arts Emmys Part I
Best Animated Program - Bob's Burgers
Best Short-Form Animated Program - Adventure Time
Best Character Voice-Over Performance - Alex Borstein "Family Guy"
Best Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One-Hour) - The Handmaid's Tale
Best Production Design for a Narrative Period/Fantasy Program (One-Hour) - Game of Thrones
Best Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half Hour) - Atlanta
Best Production Design for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Program - Saturday Night Live
Best Production Design for a Variety Special - Jesus Christ Superstar Live!
Best Casting for a Comedy Series - The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Best Casting for a Drama Series - The Handmaid's Tale
Best Casting for a TV Movie/Limited Series - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Best Casting for a Reality Series - Born this Way
Best Choreography - Mandy Moore "So You Think You Can Dance?"
Best Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series - Will & Grace
Best Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour) - Atlanta
Best Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour) - The Handmaid's Tale
Best Cinematography for a TV Movie/Limited Series - Twin Peaks
Best Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program - Blue Planet II
Best Cinematography for a Reality Program - Life Below Zero
Best Commercial - The Talk - P&G - My Black is Beautiful
Best Period Costumes - The Crown
Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes - Game of Thrones
Best Contemporary Costumes - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Best Costumes for a Reality, Variety, or Nonfiction Program - RuPaul's Drag Race
Best Directing in a Documentary/Nonfiction Program - Bryan Fogel "Icarus"
Best Directing in a Reality Program - The Voice
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Best Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - The Big Bang Theory
Best Single-Camera Pictured Editing for a Limited Series/TV Movie - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Best Picture Editing for a Variety Series - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Series - Jane
Best Picture Editing for a Structured or Competition Reality Program - RuPaul's Drag Race
Best Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program - Life Below Zero
Best Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series - Westworld
Best Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or Special - RuPaul's Drag Race
Best Hairstyling for a Limited Series or Movie - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Best Interactive Program - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Original Interactive Program - Coco VR
Best Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within A Scripted Program - Westworld
Best Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within an Unscripted Program - The Oscars: All Access
Best Short-Form Animated Program - Adventure Time
Best Character Voice-Over Performance - Alex Borstein "Family Guy"
Best Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One-Hour) - The Handmaid's Tale
Best Production Design for a Narrative Period/Fantasy Program (One-Hour) - Game of Thrones
Best Production Design for a Narrative Program (Half Hour) - Atlanta
Best Production Design for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Program - Saturday Night Live
Best Production Design for a Variety Special - Jesus Christ Superstar Live!
Best Casting for a Comedy Series - The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Best Casting for a Drama Series - The Handmaid's Tale
Best Casting for a TV Movie/Limited Series - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Best Casting for a Reality Series - Born this Way
Best Choreography - Mandy Moore "So You Think You Can Dance?"
Best Cinematography for a Multi-Camera Series - Will & Grace
Best Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour) - Atlanta
Best Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour) - The Handmaid's Tale
Best Cinematography for a TV Movie/Limited Series - Twin Peaks
Best Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program - Blue Planet II
Best Cinematography for a Reality Program - Life Below Zero
Best Commercial - The Talk - P&G - My Black is Beautiful
Best Period Costumes - The Crown
Best Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes - Game of Thrones
Best Contemporary Costumes - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Best Costumes for a Reality, Variety, or Nonfiction Program - RuPaul's Drag Race
Best Directing in a Documentary/Nonfiction Program - Bryan Fogel "Icarus"
Best Directing in a Reality Program - The Voice
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series - Game of Thrones
Best Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Best Multi-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series - The Big Bang Theory
Best Single-Camera Pictured Editing for a Limited Series/TV Movie - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Best Picture Editing for a Variety Series - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Picture Editing for a Nonfiction Series - Jane
Best Picture Editing for a Structured or Competition Reality Program - RuPaul's Drag Race
Best Picture Editing for an Unstructured Reality Program - Life Below Zero
Best Hairstyling for a Single-Camera Series - Westworld
Best Hairstyling for a Multi-Camera Series or Special - RuPaul's Drag Race
Best Hairstyling for a Limited Series or Movie - The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Best Interactive Program - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Best Original Interactive Program - Coco VR
Best Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within A Scripted Program - Westworld
Best Creative Achievement In Interactive Media Within an Unscripted Program - The Oscars: All Access
Saturday, August 18, 2018
2018 Emmy Predictions - Best Reality Competition Series
Will Win - The Voice
Could Win - RuPaul's Drag Race
Should Win - RuPaul's Drag Race
Commentary - RuPaul's Drag Race deserves to win this award. The buzz is building, and more and more folks are predicting it to do just that. It deserves to win. But this category has a history of ignoring rewarding winners in favor of the shows they are familiar with. It is a ridiculous, awful, and utterly eye-rolling trend that has unfortunately taken hold in this category since its inception. That means that most likely Drag Race will likely lose again to The Voice, whose first win was fine, its nine hundredth is getting old. I hope I'm wrong.
Could Win - RuPaul's Drag Race
Should Win - RuPaul's Drag Race
Commentary - RuPaul's Drag Race deserves to win this award. The buzz is building, and more and more folks are predicting it to do just that. It deserves to win. But this category has a history of ignoring rewarding winners in favor of the shows they are familiar with. It is a ridiculous, awful, and utterly eye-rolling trend that has unfortunately taken hold in this category since its inception. That means that most likely Drag Race will likely lose again to The Voice, whose first win was fine, its nine hundredth is getting old. I hope I'm wrong.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
2018 Emmy Predictions - Best Unstructured and Structured Reality Series
Best Structured Reality Program
Will Win - Shark Tank
Could Win - Queer Eye
Should Win - Queer Eye
Commentary - I really want to believe that Netflix's Queer Eye can break through here and win, as its predecessor did over 14 years ago. But Shark Tank has been such a mammoth in this category for years now, and I know how Emmy voters work, particularly in the Reality categories. Once they like you, they have a hard time letting you go. Plus, I really expected it to get into the host category, and it didn't. Although it managed three total nominations compared to Shark Tank's one. This makes for an interesting race, but I am sticking with Shark Tank until Emmy voters prove me wrong. I really hope they do.
Best Unstructured Reality Program
Will Win - United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell
Could Win - Born this Way, Deadliest Catch, or RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked
Should Win - United Shade of America
Commentary - Your last three winners in this category, United Shades, Born This Way, and Deadliest Catch all return, and all could inspire Emmy voters once again. Then you throw in a fourth contender in Drag Race: Untucked. I could see Emmy voters giving it the win here to give The Voice its like tenth undeserved win. I am hoping that Emmy voters don't do that, and reward both Drag Race (in competition where it belongs) and then give United Shades a second Emmy. It captures the political zeitgeist, and I think Emmy voters will respond once again.
Will Win - Shark Tank
Could Win - Queer Eye
Should Win - Queer Eye
Commentary - I really want to believe that Netflix's Queer Eye can break through here and win, as its predecessor did over 14 years ago. But Shark Tank has been such a mammoth in this category for years now, and I know how Emmy voters work, particularly in the Reality categories. Once they like you, they have a hard time letting you go. Plus, I really expected it to get into the host category, and it didn't. Although it managed three total nominations compared to Shark Tank's one. This makes for an interesting race, but I am sticking with Shark Tank until Emmy voters prove me wrong. I really hope they do.
Best Unstructured Reality Program
Will Win - United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell
Could Win - Born this Way, Deadliest Catch, or RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked
Should Win - United Shade of America
Commentary - Your last three winners in this category, United Shades, Born This Way, and Deadliest Catch all return, and all could inspire Emmy voters once again. Then you throw in a fourth contender in Drag Race: Untucked. I could see Emmy voters giving it the win here to give The Voice its like tenth undeserved win. I am hoping that Emmy voters don't do that, and reward both Drag Race (in competition where it belongs) and then give United Shades a second Emmy. It captures the political zeitgeist, and I think Emmy voters will respond once again.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
2018 Emmy Predictions - Best Reality Host
Will Win - RuPaul Charles "RuPaul's Drag Race"
Could Win - W. Kamau Bell "United Shades of America" or Ellen DeGeneres "Ellen's Game of Games"
Should Win - RuPaul Charles "RuPaul's Drag Race"
Commentary - RuPaul has won this category back to back years, and these Reality voters love repeats, so I expect him to once again take home an Emmy, and a well-deserved one at that. But this year is interesting, and could produce a surprise winner. Jane Lynch and the Project Runway duo are both previous winners in this category, and could inspire Emmy voters again. But I actually think the other two nominees are more likely to potentially upset. United Shades of America just won the Unstructured Reality Series prize last year, and is definitely a show that captures the current political and cultural zeitgeist. W. Kamau Bell could surprise. Finally, we should never count out Ellen DeGeneres. She is a Primetime Emmy winner already, and has enough Daytime Emmys to fill a stadium. She is one of those entertainers that can win awards simply for being on a ballot.
Could Win - W. Kamau Bell "United Shades of America" or Ellen DeGeneres "Ellen's Game of Games"
Should Win - RuPaul Charles "RuPaul's Drag Race"
Commentary - RuPaul has won this category back to back years, and these Reality voters love repeats, so I expect him to once again take home an Emmy, and a well-deserved one at that. But this year is interesting, and could produce a surprise winner. Jane Lynch and the Project Runway duo are both previous winners in this category, and could inspire Emmy voters again. But I actually think the other two nominees are more likely to potentially upset. United Shades of America just won the Unstructured Reality Series prize last year, and is definitely a show that captures the current political and cultural zeitgeist. W. Kamau Bell could surprise. Finally, we should never count out Ellen DeGeneres. She is a Primetime Emmy winner already, and has enough Daytime Emmys to fill a stadium. She is one of those entertainers that can win awards simply for being on a ballot.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
The 8th Annual Awards Psychic Television Award Winners
Best Drama Series
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Cody Fern "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace"
Runners Up - Jason Ritter "The Tale", Callum Worthy "American Vandal", and Edgar Ramirez "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace"
Commentary - All of those Versace guys that got in, and voters missed the best one of the bunch. As David Madson, newcomer Cody Fern, who is set to also appear in the upcoming American Horror Story, was the standout among the supporting cast. The conflicted lover, haunted by his past, he chooses to remain with the man he knows will kill him, because even that is better than being left with nothing. His role is not the biggest or the flashiest, but it is one that I remembered long after the final credits rolled.
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Penelope Cruz "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace"
Runners Up - Judith Light "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace" and Nicole Kidman "Top of the Lake: China Girl"
Commentary - Cruz is always a ball of energy on screen, and her role in Versace was no different. She completely embodies her role, she steals every scene she is in, and could easily win her first, well-deserved Emmy Award.
Best Variety Series
Winner - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Runners Up - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Commentary - John Oliver has quickly become the awards go-to for Last Week Tonight, and yet I have never given him an award. That is a crying shame, and it is long overdue. His show is hilarious, with just the right amount of anger, and is a voice we need in our current political climate.
Best Animated Series
Winner - BoJack Horseman
Runners Up - Archer and Bob's Burgers
Commentary - BoJack Horseman is a show that should not work. It is a ridiculous show about a horse man. Literally, a horse that is a man. But over the last four seasons, this show has evolved from a silly cartoon, to an incredibly dark, intelligent, insightful animated series that at times can be hard to watch in its own humorous brutality. Yet we keep watching because it is so good.
Winner - (TIE) The Americans and Westworld
Runners Up - Stranger Things 2, This is Us, The Handmaid's Tale
Commentary - The Americans may not win the Best Drama Series Emmy this year. In fact, there is a pretty good chance that it won't win. That doesn't diminish its legacy by any means, but I wanted to make sure that I personally rewarded one of my favorite television shows of the last decade. The Americans was a brilliant Cold War-era drama that beautifully mixed the spy caper and the personal enigma, and it will truly be missed on television. I also though have been personally obsessed with the second season of Westworld. The Internet and blogosphere are still debating the merits of the story line, and whether the show is actually good or just a completely ridiculous puzzle with no completion. I think that this kind of debate showcases a work of art that challenges. I may not have always known what was going on episode to episode, but I knew it didn't matter. Westworld was enthralling this season, and the pieces of the puzzle did slowly start to put themselves together. In the intermissions of clarity, it was a brilliant look at the human mind, the struggle for dominance, and the fact that nothing in this world is as it seems. It also presented some of the best episodes of its two-season run, and some of the best episodes in recent television memory. My personal favorites being Akane No Mai and Kiksuya, both absolutely brilliant. For that, along with its brilliant cast and impeccable production value, Westword is worthy of recognition.
Runners Up - Stranger Things 2, This is Us, The Handmaid's Tale
Commentary - The Americans may not win the Best Drama Series Emmy this year. In fact, there is a pretty good chance that it won't win. That doesn't diminish its legacy by any means, but I wanted to make sure that I personally rewarded one of my favorite television shows of the last decade. The Americans was a brilliant Cold War-era drama that beautifully mixed the spy caper and the personal enigma, and it will truly be missed on television. I also though have been personally obsessed with the second season of Westworld. The Internet and blogosphere are still debating the merits of the story line, and whether the show is actually good or just a completely ridiculous puzzle with no completion. I think that this kind of debate showcases a work of art that challenges. I may not have always known what was going on episode to episode, but I knew it didn't matter. Westworld was enthralling this season, and the pieces of the puzzle did slowly start to put themselves together. In the intermissions of clarity, it was a brilliant look at the human mind, the struggle for dominance, and the fact that nothing in this world is as it seems. It also presented some of the best episodes of its two-season run, and some of the best episodes in recent television memory. My personal favorites being Akane No Mai and Kiksuya, both absolutely brilliant. For that, along with its brilliant cast and impeccable production value, Westword is worthy of recognition.
Best Comedy Series
Winner - Insecure
Runners Up - Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Atlanta, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Will & Grace
Commentary - The return of Will & Grace was welcome, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was marvelous indeed, Atlanta was darkly brilliant, and thank God NBC saved the wacky Brooklyn Nine-Nine. But as a twenty-something in this ever-changing and horrifying society, no show spoke to me the way Insecure did this past year. Insecure is a basic design. It is the story of a group of twenty and thirty-somethings trying to balance love, friendship, and career. In so many ways, Insecure could have been a traditional television comedy. But in so many ways, it has defied every single one of those classic stereotypes. Insecure is everything that Girls wanted to be, but manages to actually do it right this time around. Don't get me wrong, Girls had its moments of brilliance and deserves the praise. But it also tended to ignore its white privilege, its often unbelievable circumstances, and its wholly obnoxious characters. By contrast, Insecure is as real as it gets. Its characters are funny, well-constructed, and completely believable. Insecure succeeds because it comes from the mind of the brilliant Issa Rae, who brings her own humor, her own passion, and her own unique voice to the television landscape, and we cannot thank her enough for doing so.
Runners Up - Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Atlanta, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Will & Grace
Commentary - The return of Will & Grace was welcome, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was marvelous indeed, Atlanta was darkly brilliant, and thank God NBC saved the wacky Brooklyn Nine-Nine. But as a twenty-something in this ever-changing and horrifying society, no show spoke to me the way Insecure did this past year. Insecure is a basic design. It is the story of a group of twenty and thirty-somethings trying to balance love, friendship, and career. In so many ways, Insecure could have been a traditional television comedy. But in so many ways, it has defied every single one of those classic stereotypes. Insecure is everything that Girls wanted to be, but manages to actually do it right this time around. Don't get me wrong, Girls had its moments of brilliance and deserves the praise. But it also tended to ignore its white privilege, its often unbelievable circumstances, and its wholly obnoxious characters. By contrast, Insecure is as real as it gets. Its characters are funny, well-constructed, and completely believable. Insecure succeeds because it comes from the mind of the brilliant Issa Rae, who brings her own humor, her own passion, and her own unique voice to the television landscape, and we cannot thank her enough for doing so.
Best Actor in a Drama Series
Winner - Jeffrey Wright "Westworld"
Runners Up - Sterling K. Brown "This is Us", Ed Harris "Westworld", Matthew Rhys "The Americans", and Dan Stevens "Legion"
Commentary - HBO took some gambles this year moving up Kit Harrington and Emilia Clarke to lead. Surprisingly this did not pay off as both missed out on Emmy nominations. They also took a chance moving Ed Harris and Jeffrey Wright to lead. I did not expect both to make it in, but when they did, it was recognition of the brilliant work of two of our best actors working today. Of the two though, Jeffrey Wright clearly rose to the top. A lot of the time-bending parts of this season revolve around the confused memories of Wright's Bernard. He balanced confusion, passion, anger, and the chaos of his world, often having to come to grips with the events around him. He was brilliant and compelling.
Runners Up - Sterling K. Brown "This is Us", Ed Harris "Westworld", Matthew Rhys "The Americans", and Dan Stevens "Legion"
Commentary - HBO took some gambles this year moving up Kit Harrington and Emilia Clarke to lead. Surprisingly this did not pay off as both missed out on Emmy nominations. They also took a chance moving Ed Harris and Jeffrey Wright to lead. I did not expect both to make it in, but when they did, it was recognition of the brilliant work of two of our best actors working today. Of the two though, Jeffrey Wright clearly rose to the top. A lot of the time-bending parts of this season revolve around the confused memories of Wright's Bernard. He balanced confusion, passion, anger, and the chaos of his world, often having to come to grips with the events around him. He was brilliant and compelling.
Best Actress in a Drama Series
Winner - Evan Rachel Wood "Westworld"
Runners Up - Elisabeth Moss "The Handmaid's Tale", Sandra Oh "Killing Eve", and Keri Russell "The Americans"
Commentary - Moss was intriguing as always, Russell finished strong, and Sandra Oh was fantastic. But Evan Rachel Wood's character of Delores easily became one of the most intriguing transformations this season. We knew there was something special about Delories throughout Season 1, and its ending proved she was even more awesome than we thought. This season, she became a leader, at times brutal, always compelling, and always magnetic. That is because of Evan Rachel Wood, and her towering performance.
Winner - Evan Rachel Wood "Westworld"
Runners Up - Elisabeth Moss "The Handmaid's Tale", Sandra Oh "Killing Eve", and Keri Russell "The Americans"
Commentary - Moss was intriguing as always, Russell finished strong, and Sandra Oh was fantastic. But Evan Rachel Wood's character of Delores easily became one of the most intriguing transformations this season. We knew there was something special about Delories throughout Season 1, and its ending proved she was even more awesome than we thought. This season, she became a leader, at times brutal, always compelling, and always magnetic. That is because of Evan Rachel Wood, and her towering performance.
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Winner - David Harbour "Stranger Things 2"
Runners Up - Zahn McClarnon "Westworld", Nikolaj Coster-Waldau "Game of Thrones", and Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones"
Commentary - Stranger Things 2 proved that its first season was no fluke, and I think that it gave David Harbour even more material to chew on. I was compelled by his performance from early on, but the longer we know Hopper, the more intriguing his character, and David Harbour's performance, gets. Of the bunch, he is the one that stands out to me, and hopefully an Emmy will follow.
Runners Up - Zahn McClarnon "Westworld", Nikolaj Coster-Waldau "Game of Thrones", and Peter Dinklage "Game of Thrones"
Commentary - Stranger Things 2 proved that its first season was no fluke, and I think that it gave David Harbour even more material to chew on. I was compelled by his performance from early on, but the longer we know Hopper, the more intriguing his character, and David Harbour's performance, gets. Of the bunch, he is the one that stands out to me, and hopefully an Emmy will follow.
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Winner - Thandie Newton "Westworld"
Runners Up - Ann Dowd "The Handmaid's Tale", Millie Bobby Brown "Stranger Things 2", Alexis Bledel "The Handmaid's Tale"
Commentary - Thandie Newton was mesmerizing this season on Westworld. Her abilities this season, her determination, and ultimately, the love of her daughter made her story one of the most intriguing and interesting to watch. A perfect example of how good she is: there is an episode in which her character speaks almost entirely in Japanese. That is but one of many examples of just how damn good she was this season.
Runners Up - Ann Dowd "The Handmaid's Tale", Millie Bobby Brown "Stranger Things 2", Alexis Bledel "The Handmaid's Tale"
Commentary - Thandie Newton was mesmerizing this season on Westworld. Her abilities this season, her determination, and ultimately, the love of her daughter made her story one of the most intriguing and interesting to watch. A perfect example of how good she is: there is an episode in which her character speaks almost entirely in Japanese. That is but one of many examples of just how damn good she was this season.
Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Winner - Cameron Britton "Mindhunter"
Runners Up - Gerald McRaney "This is Us" and Bradley Whitford "The Handmaid's Tale"
Commentary - Cameron Britton is the big surprise star of this Emmy season, and there is a very good reason why. Playing a serial killer, Britton steals every scene he is in, and is psychologically brilliant, managing to be both creepy, frightening, and yet compelling. I hope this is not a one-hit wonder, and we see more of what this talented actor has to offer.
Runners Up - Gerald McRaney "This is Us" and Bradley Whitford "The Handmaid's Tale"
Commentary - Cameron Britton is the big surprise star of this Emmy season, and there is a very good reason why. Playing a serial killer, Britton steals every scene he is in, and is psychologically brilliant, managing to be both creepy, frightening, and yet compelling. I hope this is not a one-hit wonder, and we see more of what this talented actor has to offer.
Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Winner - Diana Rigg "Game of Thrones"
Runners Up - Rinko Kikuchi "Westworld" and Samira Wiley "The Handmaid's Tale"
Commentary - Diana Rigg's Olenna Tyrell has been a force of nature on Game of Thrones for years now, and has always managed to steal every single scene she is in. Her final season on Game of Thrones was no exception. She was making alliances, fighting for her pride, and even in her final moments, took one last chance to destroy her enemies with her wicked tongue. The great Diana Rigg, whose screen career now spans almost six decades, took on this character with gusto, and her energy, her passion, and her sass have earned her a well overdue recognition.
Runners Up - Rinko Kikuchi "Westworld" and Samira Wiley "The Handmaid's Tale"
Commentary - Diana Rigg's Olenna Tyrell has been a force of nature on Game of Thrones for years now, and has always managed to steal every single scene she is in. Her final season on Game of Thrones was no exception. She was making alliances, fighting for her pride, and even in her final moments, took one last chance to destroy her enemies with her wicked tongue. The great Diana Rigg, whose screen career now spans almost six decades, took on this character with gusto, and her energy, her passion, and her sass have earned her a well overdue recognition.
Best Actor in a Comedy Series
Winner - Donald Glover "Atlanta"
Runners Up - Andy Samberg "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", Bill Hader "Barry", and Anthony Anderson "black-ish"
Commentary - A great lineup this year of guys, but Donald Glover once again reigns supreme. Not just for his brilliant, unrecognizable episode Teddy Perkins, but for the entire season of this brilliant, weird, and darkly funny show. Glover's performance is probably the most subtle of the bunch, and yet it is the most compelling.
Runners Up - Andy Samberg "Brooklyn Nine-Nine", Bill Hader "Barry", and Anthony Anderson "black-ish"
Commentary - A great lineup this year of guys, but Donald Glover once again reigns supreme. Not just for his brilliant, unrecognizable episode Teddy Perkins, but for the entire season of this brilliant, weird, and darkly funny show. Glover's performance is probably the most subtle of the bunch, and yet it is the most compelling.
Best Actress in a Comedy Series
Winner - Issa Rae "Insecure"
Runners Up - Rachel Brosnahan "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel", Debra Messing "Will & Grace", and Justina Machado "One Day at a Time"
Commentary - Rachel Brosnahan is a breath of fresh air, Justina Machado beautifully balances humor and heart, and I loved seeing Debra Messing returning to Grace Adler. But none of them could beat Issa Rae, at least in my book. Her Emmy nomination was my single favorite of the bunch, and I literally screamed when I heard her name called. The fierce energy she brings to every scene, as a producer, a writer, and an magnificent actor is incredible to watch. Her character is flawed, incredibly interesting, vulnerable, and yet stronger than most. She has created a genuine character and story line that to any of us who are in that age group, feels about as real as it gets. That kind of authenticity can only come from an artist who is at the top of their game.
Runners Up - Rachel Brosnahan "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel", Debra Messing "Will & Grace", and Justina Machado "One Day at a Time"
Commentary - Rachel Brosnahan is a breath of fresh air, Justina Machado beautifully balances humor and heart, and I loved seeing Debra Messing returning to Grace Adler. But none of them could beat Issa Rae, at least in my book. Her Emmy nomination was my single favorite of the bunch, and I literally screamed when I heard her name called. The fierce energy she brings to every scene, as a producer, a writer, and an magnificent actor is incredible to watch. Her character is flawed, incredibly interesting, vulnerable, and yet stronger than most. She has created a genuine character and story line that to any of us who are in that age group, feels about as real as it gets. That kind of authenticity can only come from an artist who is at the top of their game.
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Winner - Sean Hayes "Will & Grace"
Runners Up - Tony Shalhoub "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel", Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", and Brian Tyree Henry "Atlanta"
Commentary - Dying is easy, comedy is hard. Sean Hayes has made farcical comedy look easy for decades now. In this new incantation of Will & Grace, he has not lost one ounce of his hilarity, spontaneity, and ability to steal a scene. This time around, we got to see him struggle with a grandson he did not know, who was sent to a gay conversion therapy camp. It added a layer of depth to a character we all love, and proved why Sean Hayes is still one of the best. Emmy voters, you missed the mark when you failed to nominate him.
Runners Up - Tony Shalhoub "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel", Tituss Burgess "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt", and Brian Tyree Henry "Atlanta"
Commentary - Dying is easy, comedy is hard. Sean Hayes has made farcical comedy look easy for decades now. In this new incantation of Will & Grace, he has not lost one ounce of his hilarity, spontaneity, and ability to steal a scene. This time around, we got to see him struggle with a grandson he did not know, who was sent to a gay conversion therapy camp. It added a layer of depth to a character we all love, and proved why Sean Hayes is still one of the best. Emmy voters, you missed the mark when you failed to nominate him.
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Winner - (TIE) Alex Borstein "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and Megan Mullaly "Will & Grace"
Runners Up - Yvonne Orji "Insecure", Rita Moreno "One Day at a Time", and Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live"
Commentary - This race is so tough, that Emmy voters had eight nominees, and could have had twelve or fifteen to accommodate all of the talented actresses that deserve recognition. Yvonne Orji has incredible chemistry with Issa Rae, and is just freaking awesome in Insecure, Rita Moreno cements her legendary status, and Kate McKinnon is a comedy goddess as always. But I narrowed it down to two, and couldn't narrow it down any further. Megan Mullaly returned to her iconic role of Karen Walker with gusto, and had one of the best episodes of any actress on television this year when she said goodbye to her beloved Rosario. Like her co-star Hayes, she got the chance to prove that not only is she one of the funniest and best comedic actresses working today, but she has incredible range. I also adored Alex Borstein in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. As the plucky, hilarious, and scene-stealing sidekick/manager, she got a chance to shine as a comedic actress, and is finally getting some overdue recognition for her incredible talent.
Runners Up - Yvonne Orji "Insecure", Rita Moreno "One Day at a Time", and Kate McKinnon "Saturday Night Live"
Commentary - This race is so tough, that Emmy voters had eight nominees, and could have had twelve or fifteen to accommodate all of the talented actresses that deserve recognition. Yvonne Orji has incredible chemistry with Issa Rae, and is just freaking awesome in Insecure, Rita Moreno cements her legendary status, and Kate McKinnon is a comedy goddess as always. But I narrowed it down to two, and couldn't narrow it down any further. Megan Mullaly returned to her iconic role of Karen Walker with gusto, and had one of the best episodes of any actress on television this year when she said goodbye to her beloved Rosario. Like her co-star Hayes, she got the chance to prove that not only is she one of the funniest and best comedic actresses working today, but she has incredible range. I also adored Alex Borstein in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. As the plucky, hilarious, and scene-stealing sidekick/manager, she got a chance to shine as a comedic actress, and is finally getting some overdue recognition for her incredible talent.
Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Winner - Bill Hader "Saturday Night Live"
Runners Up - Donald Glover "Saturday Night Live", Leslie Jordan "Will & Grace", and Chance the Rapper "Saturday Night Live"
Commentary - Bill Hader was always amazing on Saturday Night Live, but he easily had one of the best episodes of the season that really showed his talent for sketch and physical comedy. He is getting a lot of recognition for Barry, and rightfully so, but I actually prefer him on SNL, and his unique, weird, and always hilarious brand of comedy.
Runners Up - Donald Glover "Saturday Night Live", Leslie Jordan "Will & Grace", and Chance the Rapper "Saturday Night Live"
Commentary - Bill Hader was always amazing on Saturday Night Live, but he easily had one of the best episodes of the season that really showed his talent for sketch and physical comedy. He is getting a lot of recognition for Barry, and rightfully so, but I actually prefer him on SNL, and his unique, weird, and always hilarious brand of comedy.
Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Winner - Tiffany Haddish "Saturday Night Live"
Runners Up - Tina Fey "Saturday Night Live", Molly Shannon "Will & Grace", and Lisa Kudrow "Grace & Frankie"
Commentary - Tiffany Haddish has been a breath of fresh air on the comedy scene this last year. She is raw, hilarious, and honest. She hasn't been sucked into the boring Hollywood comedy machine. She has maintained the type of energy that made her a star to begin with. Look no further than her awesome turn hosting SNL. Her monologue was spot on, and her sketches had audiences rolling. She is just amazing, and I cannot wait to see what she does next.
Runners Up - Tina Fey "Saturday Night Live", Molly Shannon "Will & Grace", and Lisa Kudrow "Grace & Frankie"
Commentary - Tiffany Haddish has been a breath of fresh air on the comedy scene this last year. She is raw, hilarious, and honest. She hasn't been sucked into the boring Hollywood comedy machine. She has maintained the type of energy that made her a star to begin with. Look no further than her awesome turn hosting SNL. Her monologue was spot on, and her sketches had audiences rolling. She is just amazing, and I cannot wait to see what she does next.
Best Limited Series
Winner - American Vandal
Runners Up - American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Patrick Melrose, Twin Peaks, and The Looming Tower
Commentary - I thought Gianni Versace was good, especially the acting, but it paled in comparison to OJ. Patrick Melrose was not that interesting past Benedict Cumberbatch, Twin Peaks was classic David Lynch, which meant it was too much, and I really like The Looming Tower, in second place. This was just not a great year overall for long form television, but of the bunch, it was Netflix's American Vandal that I enjoyed the most. It felt timely, darkly satirical, and spot on in its assessment of high school ridiculousness. It was the most clever and best executed of the bunch.
Commentary - I thought Gianni Versace was good, especially the acting, but it paled in comparison to OJ. Patrick Melrose was not that interesting past Benedict Cumberbatch, Twin Peaks was classic David Lynch, which meant it was too much, and I really like The Looming Tower, in second place. This was just not a great year overall for long form television, but of the bunch, it was Netflix's American Vandal that I enjoyed the most. It felt timely, darkly satirical, and spot on in its assessment of high school ridiculousness. It was the most clever and best executed of the bunch.
Best Made for Television Movie
Winner - Black Mirror: U.S.S. Callister
Runners Up - The Tale and Notes from the Field
Commentary - HBO had two really great productions this year, they were just not the two everyone expected. I liked both The Tale and Notes from the Field, but neither were strong enough to beat Black Mirror. U.S.S. Callister was a brilliant, and shocking riff that showed just why Black Mirror is one of the most clever shows on television.
Runners Up - The Tale and Notes from the Field
Commentary - HBO had two really great productions this year, they were just not the two everyone expected. I liked both The Tale and Notes from the Field, but neither were strong enough to beat Black Mirror. U.S.S. Callister was a brilliant, and shocking riff that showed just why Black Mirror is one of the most clever shows on television.
Best Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Kevin Kline "BroadwayHD Presents: Noël Coward's Present Laughter"
Runners Up - Darren Criss "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace"and Benedict Cumberbatch "The Child in Time" and "Patrick Melrose"
Runners Up - Darren Criss "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace"and Benedict Cumberbatch "The Child in Time" and "Patrick Melrose"
Commentary - Criss proved he has dramatic chops, and Benedict Cumberbatch gave us two great performances on television this year. But as a theater junkie, I was enraptured by the filmed version of Noel Coward's Present Laughter. I know it was just the play filmed, but as someone who loves theater, it was so nice to see it brought into our living rooms. At the center was the Tony-winning performance of the great Kevin Kline. He was magnetic, riotously hilarious, and definitely earned all of the praise and awards that were showered on him.
Best Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Laura Dern "The Tale"
Runners Up - Anna Deveare Smith "Notes from the Field", and Elisabeth Moss "Top of the Lake: China Girl"
Commentary - A film about sexual assault is not the type of film you expect to be nuanced and subtle, but that is exactly what you got with HBO's The Tale. At its center is an incredibly nuanced, yet beautifully haunting performance from the great Laura Dern. All of the performances are fantastic in this film, but Dern's really is the standout.
Runners Up - Anna Deveare Smith "Notes from the Field", and Elisabeth Moss "Top of the Lake: China Girl"
Commentary - A film about sexual assault is not the type of film you expect to be nuanced and subtle, but that is exactly what you got with HBO's The Tale. At its center is an incredibly nuanced, yet beautifully haunting performance from the great Laura Dern. All of the performances are fantastic in this film, but Dern's really is the standout.
Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Cody Fern "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace"
Runners Up - Jason Ritter "The Tale", Callum Worthy "American Vandal", and Edgar Ramirez "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace"
Commentary - All of those Versace guys that got in, and voters missed the best one of the bunch. As David Madson, newcomer Cody Fern, who is set to also appear in the upcoming American Horror Story, was the standout among the supporting cast. The conflicted lover, haunted by his past, he chooses to remain with the man he knows will kill him, because even that is better than being left with nothing. His role is not the biggest or the flashiest, but it is one that I remembered long after the final credits rolled.
Best Supporting Actress in a TV Movie/Limited Series
Winner - Penelope Cruz "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace"
Runners Up - Judith Light "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace" and Nicole Kidman "Top of the Lake: China Girl"
Commentary - Cruz is always a ball of energy on screen, and her role in Versace was no different. She completely embodies her role, she steals every scene she is in, and could easily win her first, well-deserved Emmy Award.
Best Variety Series
Winner - Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Runners Up - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee
Commentary - John Oliver has quickly become the awards go-to for Last Week Tonight, and yet I have never given him an award. That is a crying shame, and it is long overdue. His show is hilarious, with just the right amount of anger, and is a voice we need in our current political climate.
Best Animated Series
Winner - BoJack Horseman
Runners Up - Archer and Bob's Burgers
Commentary - BoJack Horseman is a show that should not work. It is a ridiculous show about a horse man. Literally, a horse that is a man. But over the last four seasons, this show has evolved from a silly cartoon, to an incredibly dark, intelligent, insightful animated series that at times can be hard to watch in its own humorous brutality. Yet we keep watching because it is so good.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
The Academy Makes Changes to Future Oscars
Today, the Academy screwed the pooch. Seriously, the backlash from media, fans, the Twitterdom, and genuniely anyone who loves film has been swift and universally negative. Today they announced three big changes.
- A new category is being designed around achievement in popular film.
- We've set an earlier airdate for 2020: mark your calendars for February 9.
- We're planning a more globally accessible, three-hour telecast.
The last one doesn't bother me as much. So far, it sounds like they are going to use the model the Tonys have used for years. Still giving technical categories their moment, but doing it in a way that makes the ceremony shorter. Considering that the Tonys are the most enjoyable of the big four every year, maybe this one people can chill out on for now. There are bigger fish to fry. This "popular category" stunt will not last long, I can tell you that. This is not the People's Choice or MTV Movie Awards. This is supposed to be about the best in film, not the biggest. People are asking legitimate questions. What qualifies as a popular film? There are plenty of Indies that could be deemed popular for their size and theater release, what are the specific qualifications? The Academy better answer soon. They have already released a statement saying that the films will be eligible for both categories, but we all know how that will turn out. The fact that they are already having to clarify is not a good sign for this move. And while the expansion of the Best Picture race has made way for indies to thrive, don't forget that genuine blockbusters such as Avatar, The Blind Side, Up, Toy Story 3, Inglourious Basterds, Inception, The King's Speech, The Help, Gravity, American Sniper, The Martian, Mad Max: Fury Road, Hidden Figures, La La Land, and Get Out all were genuinely successful blockbusters, and also good films. Sure the Academy has missed out one some great blockbusters, but its missed out on just as many great indies as well. Screw them. This is terrible, and for those of us who make this our hobby, this is an insult, and it is an insult to film.
The February 9th date is also infuriating. We already don't have enough time to really enjoy the Oscar season, and see all the films. Now you are going to cause a backlog, and it will mean all late releases are ignored. It also could completely screw up the precursor guilds and critics, who now have to choose to either move to be a part of Oscar season, or be seen as irrelevant because they fall out of the Oscar time frame. You, Academy, moved in the wrong direction. It needs to go back to March, and not compete with football, and the precursor awards. If you think this move will bring you better ratings, either move, you are sadly mistaken. It will only anger your core audience, and make you look desperate. Ratings are not everything. Celebrate film. Period. If they don't like the films, screw them. I would rather see another race with The Shape of Water, Get Out, and Three Billboards, then see one between Avengers, Minions, and some crappy horror flick. Like I said, they really screwed the pooch.
- A new category is being designed around achievement in popular film.
- We've set an earlier airdate for 2020: mark your calendars for February 9.
- We're planning a more globally accessible, three-hour telecast.
The last one doesn't bother me as much. So far, it sounds like they are going to use the model the Tonys have used for years. Still giving technical categories their moment, but doing it in a way that makes the ceremony shorter. Considering that the Tonys are the most enjoyable of the big four every year, maybe this one people can chill out on for now. There are bigger fish to fry. This "popular category" stunt will not last long, I can tell you that. This is not the People's Choice or MTV Movie Awards. This is supposed to be about the best in film, not the biggest. People are asking legitimate questions. What qualifies as a popular film? There are plenty of Indies that could be deemed popular for their size and theater release, what are the specific qualifications? The Academy better answer soon. They have already released a statement saying that the films will be eligible for both categories, but we all know how that will turn out. The fact that they are already having to clarify is not a good sign for this move. And while the expansion of the Best Picture race has made way for indies to thrive, don't forget that genuine blockbusters such as Avatar, The Blind Side, Up, Toy Story 3, Inglourious Basterds, Inception, The King's Speech, The Help, Gravity, American Sniper, The Martian, Mad Max: Fury Road, Hidden Figures, La La Land, and Get Out all were genuinely successful blockbusters, and also good films. Sure the Academy has missed out one some great blockbusters, but its missed out on just as many great indies as well. Screw them. This is terrible, and for those of us who make this our hobby, this is an insult, and it is an insult to film.
The February 9th date is also infuriating. We already don't have enough time to really enjoy the Oscar season, and see all the films. Now you are going to cause a backlog, and it will mean all late releases are ignored. It also could completely screw up the precursor guilds and critics, who now have to choose to either move to be a part of Oscar season, or be seen as irrelevant because they fall out of the Oscar time frame. You, Academy, moved in the wrong direction. It needs to go back to March, and not compete with football, and the precursor awards. If you think this move will bring you better ratings, either move, you are sadly mistaken. It will only anger your core audience, and make you look desperate. Ratings are not everything. Celebrate film. Period. If they don't like the films, screw them. I would rather see another race with The Shape of Water, Get Out, and Three Billboards, then see one between Avengers, Minions, and some crappy horror flick. Like I said, they really screwed the pooch.
Sunday, August 5, 2018
2019 Television Critics Association (TCA) Award Winners
Individual Achievement in Drama
Keri Russell "The Americans"
Individual Achievement in Comedy
Rachel Brosnahan "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"
Outstanding Achievement in News and Information
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming
Queer Eye
Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming
Sesame Street
Outstanding Achievement in Sketch/Variety Shows
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Outstanding New Program
Killing Eve
Outstanding Achievement in Movies And Miniseries
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Outstanding Achievement in Drama
The Americans
Outstanding Achievement in Comedy
The Good Place
Program of the Year
The Americans
Lifetime Achievement Honoree
Rita Moreno
Heritage Award
Friends
Saturday, August 4, 2018
The Oscar Narrative: July Nomination Predictions - Best Picture
July Nomination Predictions
Backseat
Beautiful Boy
Black Panther
Boy Erased
First Man
If Beale Street Could Talk
Incredibles 2
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mid '90s
Widows
Other Contenders - A Star is Born, BlackKklansman, Roma, The Favourite, Peterloo, The Front Runner, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Wildlife, 22 July, On the Basis of Sex, Welcome to Marwen, The Rider, Bohemian Rhapsody, Mary Poppins Returns, Avengers: Infinity War, Eighth Grad, A Quiet Place, Hereditary, The Other Side of the Wind, Destroyer, Annihilation, Life Itself, The Life and Death of John F. Donovan, Mission: Impossible - Fallout
Commentary - So I have eight Oscar-esque contenders. Adam McKay returns with a Dick Cheney biopic, Steve McQueen with a family thriller, Damien Chazelle with a Neil Armstrong biopic, and Barry Jenkins with a James Baldwin adaptation. These recent Oscar favorites are hoping voters still love them. Think that the period piece Mary, Queen of Scots will inspire a lot of votes as well, and usually at least one historical fiction film gets in. I think the two films of teenage struggle, Beautiful Boy and Boy Erased both have a lot of heat going into the fall season. Finally, the first trailer for Mid '90s is nothing like I expect, but with A24 behind it, and the whole actor-turned-writer/director vibe, I am definitely getting some Lady Bird feels for Jonah Hill's debut. Finally, I am leaving in the two blockbusters Black Panther and Incredibles 2. They are two of the biggest films this year, have rave reviews, and are still in the conversation. I hope they remain there. Beyond those, the four I think have the best shot are A Star is Born (I just have this vibe its going to flop), Roma (Alfonso Cuaron, but foreign language), BlackKlansman (hot after Cannes, too much for Academy voters?), and The Favourite (Lanthimos is probably too esoteric). I think either female driven or female led films like Annihilation, The Rider, Can You Every Forgive Me?, and Hereditary are possibilities. Biopic On the basis of sex, Paul Dano's directorial debut Wildlife, Robert Zemeckis' latest, Jason Reitman's latest, and the long lost Orson Welles final film are dark horses. Finally, let's not forget some of the big blockbusters like the upcoming Bohemian Rhapsody (too much controversy with Singer), Infinity War, the new Mission Impossible, and Disney's big winter film Mary Poppins Returns, which is reportedly going to get a huge awards push by the studio.
Backseat
Beautiful Boy
Black Panther
Boy Erased
First Man
If Beale Street Could Talk
Incredibles 2
Mary, Queen of Scots
Mid '90s
Widows
Other Contenders - A Star is Born, BlackKklansman, Roma, The Favourite, Peterloo, The Front Runner, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Wildlife, 22 July, On the Basis of Sex, Welcome to Marwen, The Rider, Bohemian Rhapsody, Mary Poppins Returns, Avengers: Infinity War, Eighth Grad, A Quiet Place, Hereditary, The Other Side of the Wind, Destroyer, Annihilation, Life Itself, The Life and Death of John F. Donovan, Mission: Impossible - Fallout
Commentary - So I have eight Oscar-esque contenders. Adam McKay returns with a Dick Cheney biopic, Steve McQueen with a family thriller, Damien Chazelle with a Neil Armstrong biopic, and Barry Jenkins with a James Baldwin adaptation. These recent Oscar favorites are hoping voters still love them. Think that the period piece Mary, Queen of Scots will inspire a lot of votes as well, and usually at least one historical fiction film gets in. I think the two films of teenage struggle, Beautiful Boy and Boy Erased both have a lot of heat going into the fall season. Finally, the first trailer for Mid '90s is nothing like I expect, but with A24 behind it, and the whole actor-turned-writer/director vibe, I am definitely getting some Lady Bird feels for Jonah Hill's debut. Finally, I am leaving in the two blockbusters Black Panther and Incredibles 2. They are two of the biggest films this year, have rave reviews, and are still in the conversation. I hope they remain there. Beyond those, the four I think have the best shot are A Star is Born (I just have this vibe its going to flop), Roma (Alfonso Cuaron, but foreign language), BlackKlansman (hot after Cannes, too much for Academy voters?), and The Favourite (Lanthimos is probably too esoteric). I think either female driven or female led films like Annihilation, The Rider, Can You Every Forgive Me?, and Hereditary are possibilities. Biopic On the basis of sex, Paul Dano's directorial debut Wildlife, Robert Zemeckis' latest, Jason Reitman's latest, and the long lost Orson Welles final film are dark horses. Finally, let's not forget some of the big blockbusters like the upcoming Bohemian Rhapsody (too much controversy with Singer), Infinity War, the new Mission Impossible, and Disney's big winter film Mary Poppins Returns, which is reportedly going to get a huge awards push by the studio.
Friday, August 3, 2018
The Oscar Narrative: July Nomination Predictions - Best Director
July Nomination Predictions
Damien Chazelle "First Man"
Joel Edgerton "Boy Erased"
Barry Jenkins "If Beale Street Could Talk"
Adam McKay "Backseat"
Steve McQueen "Widows"
Other Contenders - Alfonso Cuaron "Roma", Jonah Hill "Mid '90s" Ryan Coogler "Black Panther", Jason Reitman "The Front Runner", Yorgos Lanthimos "The Favourite", Spike Lee "BlackKklansman", Felix Van Groeningen "Beautiful Boy", Bradley Cooper "A Star is Born", Josie Rourke "Mary, Queen of Scots", Mike Leigh "Peterloo", Paul Greengrass "Norway", Julian Schnabel "At Eternity's Gate", Marielle Heller "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", Mimi Leder "On the Basis of Sex", Rob Marshall "Mary Poppins Returns", Robert Zemeckis "Welcome to Marwen", Nicole Holofcener "The Land of Steady Habits", Alex Garland "Annihilation", John Krasinski "A Quiet Place", Paul Dano "Wildlife", Orson Welles "The Other Side of the Wind", Luca Guadagnino "Suspiria", Martin Scorsese "The Irishman"
Commentary - Now with Martin Scorsese gone, this leaves at least one slot for a talented director to fill in. I am sticking with the lineup of Chazelle, Jenkins, McKay, and McQueen. All recent Oscar favorites with buzzed projects on the horizon. In the last slot, I am moving up Joel Edgerton. We often see actors turned directors doing well in these races, look at last year's inclusions of Greta Gerwig and Jordan Peele. Boy Erased is one to watch for, and Edgerton has already proven his chops behind the camera with The Gift, which earned him a DGA nomination in their first-time director category. Alfonso Cuaron's return Roma could be welcomed, but foreign language contenders are often hit and miss with Academy voters (although this branch is the most welcoming). Ryan Coogler could get some love for Black Panther, especially if Creed II succeeds as well. Previous Best Director nominees and winners like Mike Leigh, Paul Greengrass, Jaston Reitman, Rob Marshall, Robert Zemeckis, Julian Schnabel, and the late Orson Welles are all ones to watch for. I would also look out for previous Oscar nominees in other categories trying to score their first director nomination like Bradley Cooper, Yorgos Lanthimos, Luca Guadangino, Spike Lee, and Alex Garland. I also think Leder, Holofcener, Heller, Van Groeningen, and actors turned directors John Krasinski, Jonah Hill, and Paul Dano will be Oscar voters' radars.
Damien Chazelle "First Man"
Joel Edgerton "Boy Erased"
Barry Jenkins "If Beale Street Could Talk"
Adam McKay "Backseat"
Steve McQueen "Widows"
Other Contenders - Alfonso Cuaron "Roma", Jonah Hill "Mid '90s" Ryan Coogler "Black Panther", Jason Reitman "The Front Runner", Yorgos Lanthimos "The Favourite", Spike Lee "BlackKklansman", Felix Van Groeningen "Beautiful Boy", Bradley Cooper "A Star is Born", Josie Rourke "Mary, Queen of Scots", Mike Leigh "Peterloo", Paul Greengrass "Norway", Julian Schnabel "At Eternity's Gate", Marielle Heller "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", Mimi Leder "On the Basis of Sex", Rob Marshall "Mary Poppins Returns", Robert Zemeckis "Welcome to Marwen", Nicole Holofcener "The Land of Steady Habits", Alex Garland "Annihilation", John Krasinski "A Quiet Place", Paul Dano "Wildlife", Orson Welles "The Other Side of the Wind", Luca Guadagnino "Suspiria", Martin Scorsese "The Irishman"
Commentary - Now with Martin Scorsese gone, this leaves at least one slot for a talented director to fill in. I am sticking with the lineup of Chazelle, Jenkins, McKay, and McQueen. All recent Oscar favorites with buzzed projects on the horizon. In the last slot, I am moving up Joel Edgerton. We often see actors turned directors doing well in these races, look at last year's inclusions of Greta Gerwig and Jordan Peele. Boy Erased is one to watch for, and Edgerton has already proven his chops behind the camera with The Gift, which earned him a DGA nomination in their first-time director category. Alfonso Cuaron's return Roma could be welcomed, but foreign language contenders are often hit and miss with Academy voters (although this branch is the most welcoming). Ryan Coogler could get some love for Black Panther, especially if Creed II succeeds as well. Previous Best Director nominees and winners like Mike Leigh, Paul Greengrass, Jaston Reitman, Rob Marshall, Robert Zemeckis, Julian Schnabel, and the late Orson Welles are all ones to watch for. I would also look out for previous Oscar nominees in other categories trying to score their first director nomination like Bradley Cooper, Yorgos Lanthimos, Luca Guadangino, Spike Lee, and Alex Garland. I also think Leder, Holofcener, Heller, Van Groeningen, and actors turned directors John Krasinski, Jonah Hill, and Paul Dano will be Oscar voters' radars.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
The Oscar Narrative: July Nomination Predictions - Best Actor
July Nomination Predictions
Christian Bale "Backseat"
Steve Carell "Beautiful Boy"
Ryan Gosling "First Man"
Lucas Hedges "Boy Erased"
Hugh Jackman "The Front Runner"
Other Contenders - Bradley Cooper "A Star is Born", John David Washington "BlackKklansman", Willem Dafoe "At Eternity's Gate", Rami Malek "Bohemian Rhapsody", Chadwick Boseman "Black Panther", Stephen James "If Beale Street Could Talk", Ethan Hawke "First Reformed", Joaquin Phoenix "You Were Never Really There", Robert Redford "Old Man and a Gun", Rory Kinnear "Peterloo", Javier Bardem "Everybody Knows", Ben Foster "Leave No Trace", Michael B. Jordan "Creed II", John Huston "The Other Side of the Wind", Oscar Isaac "Life Itself"
Commentary - Well, my July Predictions have rolled over to August. Oh well, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The only change I made was moving Robert DeNiro out, as it looks like The Irishman is moving to next year. In his place, I put previous nominee Lucas Hedges, whose new movie Boy Erased looks to be an early Oscar favorite. The other four, Gosling, Carell, Bale, and Jackman remain. Bradley Cooper cannot be ignored, but is that film really going to land? I have my doubts. Newcomers Stephen James and John David Washington could make a splash, Rami Malek is getting a lot of buzz, Chadwick Boseman is fantastic, and awards veterans like Joaquin Phoenix, Ethan Hawke, Robert Reford, Javier Bardem, and the late, great John Huston are all possibilities. Finally, look out for Ben Foster, Oscar Issac, and Rory Kinnear, all talented actors with big projects on the fall horizon.
Christian Bale "Backseat"
Steve Carell "Beautiful Boy"
Ryan Gosling "First Man"
Lucas Hedges "Boy Erased"
Hugh Jackman "The Front Runner"
Other Contenders - Bradley Cooper "A Star is Born", John David Washington "BlackKklansman", Willem Dafoe "At Eternity's Gate", Rami Malek "Bohemian Rhapsody", Chadwick Boseman "Black Panther", Stephen James "If Beale Street Could Talk", Ethan Hawke "First Reformed", Joaquin Phoenix "You Were Never Really There", Robert Redford "Old Man and a Gun", Rory Kinnear "Peterloo", Javier Bardem "Everybody Knows", Ben Foster "Leave No Trace", Michael B. Jordan "Creed II", John Huston "The Other Side of the Wind", Oscar Isaac "Life Itself"
Commentary - Well, my July Predictions have rolled over to August. Oh well, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The only change I made was moving Robert DeNiro out, as it looks like The Irishman is moving to next year. In his place, I put previous nominee Lucas Hedges, whose new movie Boy Erased looks to be an early Oscar favorite. The other four, Gosling, Carell, Bale, and Jackman remain. Bradley Cooper cannot be ignored, but is that film really going to land? I have my doubts. Newcomers Stephen James and John David Washington could make a splash, Rami Malek is getting a lot of buzz, Chadwick Boseman is fantastic, and awards veterans like Joaquin Phoenix, Ethan Hawke, Robert Reford, Javier Bardem, and the late, great John Huston are all possibilities. Finally, look out for Ben Foster, Oscar Issac, and Rory Kinnear, all talented actors with big projects on the fall horizon.
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